As Microsoft and its smartphone partners get ready to launch the "Mango" update for Windows Phone 7, it looks like Microsoft is also getting ready to launch a new logo for the Windows Phone division. As reported by WPCentral.com, a Japanese Microsoft blog site has officially posted up the new logo which uses a flat 2D square version of the normal Windows logo, instead of the previous version that has the logo inside a green sphere that has a 3D effect.

It's possible that the new logo is being shown in Japan first because the first "Mango" Windows Phone 7 smartphone is being launched in Japan later this month. The Fujitsu-Toshiba IS12T was first announced earlier in July. More Windows Phone 7 smartphones, made specifically with the Mango update in mind, are scheduled to be released later this fall. Meanwhile, the Mango update itself has already been sent out to smartphone makers and wireless carriers. People who own an older Windows Phone 7 device should get the Mango update later this year. All eyes will be on Nokia who has announced its plans to switch from its in-house Symbian operating system to Windows Phone 7. Both companies are holding an event at Gamescom on August 17.